The Positive Voices

Welcome to The Positive Voices, a monthly paper dedicated to promoting social justice, civility, debate and honest dialogue. We will also be talking about the positive roles government and organized labor can play in our society. Believing that a mutual respect between labor and management is the only way to effectively advance economic prosperity and justice, we will honor the positive contributions made by union and non-union workers, big and small businesses and all individuals dedicated to building a better community, state, and nation. July is the heart of summer and a time for celebration and relaxation! And maybe reading Employees Positive Voices’ compelling July edition on the beach? As a special Independence Day treat we are reprinting The Fiasco of July 4, 1777 from the Huffington Post (July 2009) by Alex Storozynski, the author of The Peasant Prince: Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Age of Revolution. History buffs will love it. Our OtherWords bullpen of national columnists writing for this edition are as refreshing as a dip in Lake Superior and have some topics as explosive as fireworks. Kristi Ceccarossi takes on Kraft Food Corporation, the world’s second largest food corporation, while Jim Hightower skewers a massive chemical corporation for creating a collection of bontanical Frankenstein super weeds! Amanda Hitt wants safe food on our tables. Brian Miller, Sam Pizzigati wants CEO to worker income disparity reported; David Elliot argues we can’t cut our way to a better America. The critical issue of maternal mortality is examined by Jennie Joseph. Economic justice for all is the call delivered by Arlene Holt Baker of the AFL-CIO. Lisa Griffith wants the same for family farms. Fiscally responsible thinking is Miriam Pemberton’s topic. William A. Collins wants financial reform and John Steel is interested in regaining our democracy from corporate influence. From WPRR your humble host of Tuesdays with Tormala offers an Independence Day reflection and a tribute to the late Barb Pekich of Heartside Ministry. We are also a forum and megaphone for non-profits. We continue our monthly series where Catherine’s Health Center provides our readers with helpful educational tips for staying healthy. The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan addresses the options available to older adults and their families to promote independent living, and Mike Burri of our Vets Corner delivers us some good news! In our Art From The Heart segment we feature artist Annette Gray. As always, your letters, op-eds, and articles are welcome for submission. Employees Positive Voices wants to hear your voices. This is your paper and we want you to tell us what you want to hear about. You suggested we cover the Primary Election in our August issue instead of this one and we listened! Any additional races you want covered and candidates to hear more about? Just let us know! Contact me at 616-560-4444, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . ThePositiveVoices.com. Be the first to comment on stories or blog. I’m looking forward to hearing from you. Also check out my radio show Tuesdays with Tormala. You can also talk with me and be my friend by going to Rick Tormala if you are on Facebook. We are always looking for ways for you to interact with us. Please join us. Enjoy July!